Take A 3 Minute Vacation!!

July 30, 2014Meredith Blis

Most of us have seen this inspirational poem at some point in our lives. I always loved it, but had only read it on the run. When I took a moment to absorb it slowly and really let it sink in, it gave me a sense of grounding, hope, peace and a brightened perspective. Kinda like a mini-vacation.

And I've added some waves for your enjoyment. (the mp3 will open in a new screen but you can click back here and listen while they are playing)

(Desiderata translates as Desired Things or Things that are hoped for)

Go Placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less that the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy

Hope you had a great trip :)

Love & Light to you

Meredith

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PS

The Brainiac in me couldn’t just send the poem without also offering the origins…

This poem was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. It was first publicly distributed in 1956 by a Reverend Kates in Baltimore as part of the church’s devotional materials. It gained popularity when it was found at the bedside of Adlai Stevenson (US presidential candidate) at the time of his death in 1965. And continued to spread through our culture through various sound recordings, most notably Leonard Nimoy aka Spock (1968 & 1995) & Les Crane (1971). Now we can buy it on posters at Wal-Mart, kind of an interesting cultural trajectory!